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Oregon, Alaska Two Cheapest States To Own A Car

The Volvo S60 is seen at the New York International Auto Show on March 31, 2010 in New York. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

(Photo by STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

(CBS Seattle) — People in Oregon see the most financial benefits of owning a car than any other state, according to a new report.

Bankrate.com reports drivers in Oregon only pay $2,204 to own and operate a car each year despite having to deal with relatively high gas prices. One key factor is that drivers in Oregon don’t have to worry about a state sales tax. On top of that, Kelley Blue Book estimates the combined vehicle fees in the state are less than $160 per year.

Oregon drivers also drive less than in most other states. The average yearly cost of gas in Oregon was $942 per driver in 2012, while it was $1,020 nationally.

By contrast, Georgia is the most expensive state in the country for car owners. Drivers fork over more than $4,200 each year due to above-average cost for repairs, taxes and fees, gas and insurance.

What may be hurting drivers in Georgia the most is traffic; Atlanta’s sprawling communities and a lack of public transportation is a major factor. The state has the 10th-highest vehicle miles traveled per capita in the country, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Alaska ranked second on the least-expensive list with an annual operations cost of $2,227. The state gives drivers a break by forgoing sales taxes.